Writing machine



y 21, 1946- w. E. MCFARLAND' 2,400,764

.WRITING MACHINE Filed Sept. 28, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

3 1946. w. E. MCFARLA'ND 2,400,764 I I WRITING 1 MACHINE Filed Sept. 28, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet Z INVENTOR.

w. E. MCFARLAND WRITING MACHINE- Filed Sept. 28, 1943 4 sheets-sheet 3 IN VEN TOR. MM- a 1 y 21, v w. E. M FAR LAND 2,400,764

WRITING MACHINE Filed Sept. 28, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

BY %%dmuww Patented May 21, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,400,764 WRITING MACHINE William E. McFarland, Nutley, N. J.

Application September 28, 1943, Serial No. 504,092

14 Claims.

This invention relates to novel mechanism inporated in, or attached to, front-strike typewriters and similar front-strike writing machines, for accomplishing convenient front feeding of writing sheets, which I shall call work-sheets, around the cylindrical platen and into the machine, as contrasted with the more usual method of feeding work-sheets into the machine from in back of the cylindrical platen. The front-feed method of inserting work-sheets requires that the work-sheets be backed in the machine by rotating the platen oppositely to the normal linespacing direction. The usual ribbon-vibrator and holder, ribbon-guard, and other devices that are necessarily closely adjacent the front portion of the platen in front-strike writing machines, largely prevent the use of a fixed front papertable for front introduction of work-sheets, necessitating a suitable arrangement.

My invention is particularly adapted to be used in typewriting applications where it may be desired to retain the carbon copy work-sheets in the typewriter, while inserting and removing a number of individual original work-sheets; likewise adapted to the condition where continuous work-sheets are used for some of the copies, and an individual original work-sheet is to be used for each original copy written; and is adapted to meet various requirements where front feed is desired.

An object of my invention is to provide a novel and neatly installable mechanism for front-strike writing machines, which permits work-sheets to be introduced at the front of the platen, to be backed to writing position.

Another object of my invention is to provide a flexible feeding-sheet for front-strike writing machines, which can conveniently be advanced to operative position to function as a paper-table, which will lead the inserted end of work-sheets to full engagement with the usual feed rollers under the platen.

Another object of my invention is to provide a flexible feeding-sheet for front-strike typewrit one, which in inoperative position is disposed in back of the platen, disengaged from the grip of the feed rollers against the platen, but engage- Another object of my invention is to provide for easy replacement of the feeding-sheet.

Another object of my invention is to provide a feeding-sheet of particular design and shape, and with openings in the sheet so spaced as to register over the areas of pressure produced by the engagement of the feed rollers against the platen.

Another object of my invention is to provide for advancing a flexible feeding-sheet from a storage position, to useful front-feeding position, by rotation of the platen in line-space direction, with means to prevent the feeding-sheet from advancing beyond the position where openings provided in the sheet are registered over the feed rollers, and with means provided to automatically return the feeding-sheet to storage position when the platen is rotated in counter-linespacing direction.

able to be gripped by the feed rollers and advanced by platen rotation to useful position.

Another object of my invention is to provide for storing a feeding-sheet in inoperative position underneath the usual inclined paper-table, so that the feeding-sheet is distinctly separated from the work-sheets, and is fully out of the way and out of sight.

illustrated as incorporated in a well known kind of front-strike typewriting machine, and a manifolding mechanism, to operate carbon ribbons, of the same general kind as disclosed in my Patent No. 2,202,958, is included with the machine. My

present invention is equally adaptable to be used wherefmanifolding is done by'means of sheet carbon, and the design and method of operation would be'the same; however some of its advantages can best be illustrated in combination with the use of carbon ribbons for manifolding means.

Figure 1 is a top plan view, of a front-strike typewriter embodying my invention, with the keyboard and certain other parts omitted, and illustrates the feeding-sheet as disposed in the inoperative, or storage, position.

Figure 2 is an end view of the rear portion of the carriage, the dotted lines showing the relative position of the platen, and of the special under-table which supports the feeding-sheet.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken on line III-III of Figure 1, showing the arrangement that provides a compartment, or chute, under the regular paper-table.

Figure dis a top plan view, showing portions of the carriage, and illustrates the feeding-sheet as having been advanced to position for leading in a work-sheet, and shows the openings in the feeding-sheet as registered over the feed rollers. Figure 4 shows the paper-bail as having been swung to open, orextended, position, away from the platen, to facilitate more convenient use of the feeding sheet, r

Figure 5 is a view of the feeding-sheet as removed from the machine, including the clip to which a cord is fastened.

Figure 6 is a cross-section of the feeding-sheet, taken on line VI-VI of Figure 5, and illustrates the sealed fold-over which enables quick attachment of the clip to the feeding-sheet.

Figure 7 is a front elevation of a portion of the carriage, showing the feeding-sheet in operative position, and showing three separate work-sheets as having; been properlyplaced for front feedmg.

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the parts comprising the spring-spool assembly, which provides a yielding pull on the feeding-sheet at all. times.

Figure 9 is an enlarged perspectiyeview offtlie:

complete front-feeding device, as removed. from. the machine, with portions broken away.

Figure 10 is a diagram, taken as a cross-section on line X-X of Figure 1, showing certain parts of a front-strike typewriterembodying my invention, and illustrating the feeding-sheet as being Withdrawn to storage position.

Figure I1 i a diagram, similar to Figure 10,

but showing the condition when the fingerpiece is. being actuated to press the feeding-sheet into engagement for feeding.

Figure 121 isav diagram, similar to Figure 11, but showing the condition when the feedingsheet has. been fullyv advanced. Figure 12 shows The construction.of..fr0nt-strike typewriters of the 1 general nature of' using a cylindrical. platen to.feed-work-sheets, is. well known; and will not be described here, and. the. typewriter shown. in the-=drawings is describeolonly to. the extent of identifying; the parts.- which; have a relationship to, my invention.- The. particular. typewriter shown is-that commonly known kind ofma'chine having a main' frame; on which is mounted a letterespacing: carriage; Since my invention is directed to the carriage, the main frame and parts mounted thereon are. in general omitted from the drawings.

In Figure 1,.the mainframe of the. machine is indicatedby'the letter A. The carbon paper ribbonspool-storage and tensioning unit is merely identified as a unit by'the letter B. The carbon-ribbon feedingunit, which is driven in feeding. steps by'operation' of the line-space lever, is likewise indicated'by the letter C. The single or: multiple carbontribbons obviously extend from unitB tie-unit: C;- alongthe: lengthof the carriage and'platen, in register with the writingline of the machine.

The typewriter as illustrated includes righthand;andleft handcarriage end castings I and 2: respectively, which provide firm support for various longitudinal members (not shown) of the carriage. The rotatable plateniiis-journaledv in the castings I and 2;

Slideable clips 4, are

mounted on the end castings l and 2, to permit easy removal of the platen 3. The platen extension-shaft, 5, connects the platen with the manually operated platen-turning knob 6. A line-space ratchet i, is provided at the left end of the platen 3, and a ratchet-roller assembly 8 bears against the teeth of the ratchet 1. A linespacing lever 9, is ordinarily used to return the carriage to position to start each new line of writing;, and" is. connected to' the' unit? C, to: gradually advance the carbon paper ribbons as new lines are written. The assembly of parts, iil, provide for linking the lever 9 to engage against the ratchet l to produce a line-space of the worksheets each time the lever 9 is fully actuated. The-fingerpiece l l, near the right-hand end of the carriage, operates the automatic margin-setting evices of the'machine, the details of which are not shown; I

A series of feed rollers I2, are normally springpressedto engagementwiththe platen 3; along a forward'under. portion of the platen and" provide, for gripping a work-sheet: The feed rollers i2 rotate freely as. the platen 3 is turned in either direction of rotation. Another'series of feed rollers, this engaged along a rear portion of the platen, at a. position alsoslightly under the platen. The details of applying spring pressure to the rollers iZIand i3 is not shown. While I have illustrated each of the roller l2. and I3 as being an individual roller, there is no objection to the use of asingle, much longer, roller to replace each series. It is however, better, that if long feed rollers. are used, that there be several areas of the roller with. full circumference and several areas of. lesser circumference so as to provide a number of relatively small pressure areas against the platen. This is because the feed ing-sheet has a number. of. openings, preferably one for each pressure area, and it is desired that, these openingsneed not. be larg in size.

A-shaft i kprovides for rotatably mounting the feed roller l2, while the shaftfor mounting the rollers i3 is not illustrated. A paper-deflector pan, !5,- extends. along the under portion. of the platen,.and is curvedgto, approximately the radius of the platen, but. it is separated slightly from the. platenat all times. to permit free: movement of work-sheets, without binding. A paper-release lever !5, is-located near theleft-hand end of the carriage, and is actuable to cast oif the feed rollers I2 and1l3. Whenthe rollers l2 and i3 arecast off, there is nogripping engagement between the feed roller and the platen, and a work-sheet: may thenxslide freely without-rotatingztheplaten- A- carriage-releaselever- I! is located nearthelever l6, and is used to disengage the. letter-spacing mechanism of the carriage when this isdesired.

A paper-bail cross-member 20; consists of a bar of metal of approximately. the length of the platen, and having-a. knife-like edge to enable accurate tearing of work-sheets from a continuous-roll. The" cross-member 28 has side arms at'the right andleft ends, in which small bearing pins 23 are fixed, and the pins 23 extend into brackets 21 and 22, the bracket 2| being fastened to the left-hand casting 2, and the bracket'ZZ being fastened tothe right-hand casting i l'. Thecross-member 28 provides a, paper bail of the well known front-pivoted class of bails; The cross-member is normally located close to the platen 3', to press work-sheets to the curvature of the platen, but'it may be disin Figures 4 and 12. l

4 An inked ribbon 3|, extends between a pair of identical spools 3B, and i fed from one spool to the other, through a ribbon-vibrator 32. The ribbon-vibrator 32 is located close to the platen 3, and each time a typebar swings to printing position, the vibrator 32 raises the ribbon 3! in the well known manner. A type-guide 33, is located closely adjacent the ribbon-vibrator 32, and serves to correctly align the types as they meet the ribbon 3| for printing on a work-sheet. The typebars 34 are arranged in the usual well known manner, and are actuated by the typing keys (not shown). A shield 35, is located between posed in an open, or extended, position as shown the ribbon 3i and the platen 3, and its location is slightly to the rear of the type-guide 33. The shield 35 guards the leading ends of work-sheets, as they feed around the platen from the rear, from fouling with the inked ribbon 3 I. A portion of the shield 35 extends above the position of the ribbon 3|. The spools 3B, ribbon 3|, vibrator 32, guide 33, and shield 35 are all mounted on the main frame of the machine, and several of these parts are necessarily close to the platen. This, together with the fact that the types must strike the platen along the whole length of the writing line, prevents the providing of a satisfactory fixed paper-table for introducing work-sheets at the front of the platen. Without the benefit of a front-feed device, such as my invention, it is difiicult and inconvenient to so introduce a work-, sheet in a front-strike typewriter that it can be engaged by the front feed rollers I2.

A shell 38, made of sheet metal, encloses various working parts of the rear portion of the carriage, such as the tabulator devices, marginsetting devices and other parts, none of which are shown in the drawings.

A fixed paper-table 40, is made of formed sheet metal, and is attached to the carriageby means of screws 4|, which thread into rigid brackets (not shown). It is obvious that the paper-table assists the shell 38 in the matter of enclosing various working parts of the carriage, but theimportant functions ofthe table 40 are to direct the leading ends of rear-fed worksheets to feeding engagement with the platen, and to support such portions of work-sheets as extend toward the rear of the machine. The table 40 has a forward edge which is parallel with the platen, a slight distance away from the rearmost portion of the platen, and a slight distance .above the rear feed rollers l3. From this forward edge, the main surface of the table 40 inclines rearwardly upward, the inclined surface being suitable for supporting work-sheets in the usual well known manner. As is usual in front-strike typewriters, any work-sheet that is inserted at the front of the platen, and ejected at the rear of the platen by turning the platen backward,

will be deflected up and over the paper-table. The relative placement of the table 43, the platen 3, the rear feed rollers 13, and the pan l5 can be clearly seen in Figure 10. The pan I5 is not an essential element in the initial process of gripping a work-sheet betweenthe feed rollers 13 and the platen 3, but is necessary to guide the leading ends of work-sheets from on set of feed rollers to the other set.

Another piece 01 formed sheet metal 42, is located underneath the paper-table 43, and this may be termed the under-table since its functions are somewhat similar to those of a paper-table.

The under-table 42 has a main area that is directly under the paper-table 4a, and at the sides of this main portion are side portions which are bent at right angles to the main portion, to form sidewalls of a chute or compartment. Another right angle bend of the side .portions provides a surface enabling the under-table to be soldered or brazed to the under side of the table 40. The upper rear portion of the table 42 is curved, which is of assistance in reducing the size and bulk of the shell 38. The upper rear portion of the table 42 is also much narrower than the main body of the table. As shown in the drawings, the two tables 49 and 42, as united in a unit, provide a space in the nature of a chute, or compartment, for storage of the feeding-sheet which will be described. The several parts which. control the engagement of the feeding-sheet are mounted directly on the under-table 42, and therefore all parts of the front-feeding device, including the usual paper-table, are assembled in a unit. Like the table 43, the under-table 42 has a forward edge, which is parallel with the platen, and this forward edge is spaced a slight distance below the edge of table 43, and also a slight distance to the rear. The forward edge of table 42' is also close to, and slightly above, the series of feed rollers 13. A curvature is provided in the lower forward portion of the main surface of the table 42, which is of assistance in feeding the feeding-sheet in and out of the compartment without excessive friction.

A modified form of paper-table, 43, is shown only in Figure 14. The single modified table 43 serves the purposes of both tables shown in the other drawings. In the modified design, no chute is provided, the feeding-sheet being supported directly on the surface of the main table. When using the modified design, the accessories which are to be described would be attached directly to the table 43.

A bracket 44, is soldered to the under surface of the right-hand portion of table 42, and the free end of the bracketv has a drilled hole to provide a bearing for the control rod to be described. A

similar bracket 45, is likewise afiixed to the lefthand portion of the table 42, and includes an up-.

standing extension with a drilled hole to accommodate the end of a spring.

A round rod, 46, is mounted on the table 42 by means of the brackets 44 and 45, in a manner whereby the rod may be rotated in a partial revolution. The location of the bearing holes in the brackets 44 and 45 is such that the axis of the rod 46 is .well below the rearmost portion of the table 42. The rod 46 has a center portion of the shape of a broad inverted U, including two upright sections 41. At the left-hand end of the rod 46 is a bent-up portion, having a small opening at its end to receive the end of a small spring. At the right-hand end of the rod 45 is a bent-up portion, terminating in a loop 49 which serves as a fingerpiece. While the pivotal axis of the rod 45 is located well underneath the rear portion of the table 42, the center section of the rod, between the uprights 41, crosses above the narrow rear portion of the table 42, as clearly shown in Figure9.

A projecting piece 48, extends toward the right from the extreme rear portion of the table 42,

and provides a stop for the right-hand upright 41. The rod 45 can have only a limited partial rotation, as the upright 41' will strike the stop 48 when it moves in one direction and will strike the main body of the table 42 in the other direction. The fingerpiece, 49 extends through an opening center.

ating the platen-turning: knob 6: Withi the left hand, as both operations are done simultaneously. A smallcoilspring d,.is attachedatone end-to the rod 45, and at: the. other. end to the bracket 35, urging the rod-1GB to one limit of movement where one upright? QT is hearing against the stop as.

A flexible cord 5!, of catgut' or. other. suitable material, is'fastened'at one end to a' thin-metal strap 52, which serves to provide a clip to fasten the feeding-sheet to the machine, the screw 53 holdingthe cord-fast to the clip 52. The opposite end of the cord 5! is-fastenedto aspoolifi i, by means of a screw 58." A bracket ES-Jis affixed to the under side of the rearmostportionof'the table 42. A round shaft 55', is firmly attached't'o the'bracket 5% by means of alock'nut 5.6; The. spool 54 may rotate on the shaft 55; The shaft 55' has a slot in its left end, and a coiledspring 51-is anchored to the-shaft icy-means of the slot, and is fastened at its opposite end'to the spool 54 by means of a pin extending from the spool. By'means of the spring 51, the spool Eels constantly tensioned and exerting a'yielding pull on the cord 51, tending to wind the cord about the spool. A second lock'nut 56'is threaded on the left end of the shaft 55'to retain the spring 57 in position.

The front-feeding-sheet 6d; the details of which are clearly shown in Figures 5 and 6, is made of a sheet of paper or of asimilarly flexible material. If made of paper, it should be of a grade to stand repeated use. It must be sufficiently flexible that it may be fed around the platen in the manner of a worksheet. The width of the feeding-sheet 69' isjust slightly narrower than the Width of the under-tabl 22,

so that the sheet 68 will slide freelyin the chute between the tables 46 and 42. The Width of the chute, and likewise the width of the sheet 60, shouldbe at least approximately as Wide as the Width of the widest work-sheets that are to be front-fed into the typewriter.

Two fold-overs 6! are provided at the upper portion of the feeding-sheet, one to each side of The fold-overs are sealed with mucilage or otherwise, along their edges, leaving a space similar to a hem on each side of the center, into which the clip 52 can easily be fitted, by in serting one end of the clip 52 in one of the foldovers, sliding it well to one side of center, and then inserting the remaining end of the clip in the other fold-over. The clip; 52' can likewise be easily removed to replace a worn-out feedingsheet. The feeding-sheet 68 is so designed that the leading end is in the form of a Very blunt point.

Openings 82 and '63 are provided in the feeding-sheet (ill, and are of such size and so spaced, that when the feeding-sheet is in its operative position as shown in Figure 4, the openings are registered over the areas of pressure. produced between the feed rollers l2 and i3 and the platen 3. The lower portions. of, all these. openings 62 and 63 arepointed in the direction oftheleading end of. the feeding sheet, which. tends to prevent the. edges of the openings. from jamming against the forward edge of. the paper table 40, during the operation of transferring the feeding-sheet to storage position in the compartment.

When the feeding-sheet has; been; attached to in.the:. shell: 38!, and. is-located1atz therightehand. end: of the. carriage: for: convenient rightehand. operation on the partzof;thety-pist.while.:oper

the machine, hy -means-oftthe-clip521 the .-cord BL is obviously pulling on the, sheet. and this will maintain the sheet 69 at its: maximum. retracted position-on. the table. 42,. with the top edge of the sheet, reinforced bythe clip 52,, hearing against the uprights; 4.1 of'the-control rod.

The carbon paperribbons 10, extend from a storage-spoollocated in the unit B at the-righthand end of. the carriage, along the front portion of the platen and inv registenwith the-writing line, to the feedingunit C, from which worn-out portions of the ribbons are rejected as thetypewriter is operated.

A- sheetof continuouspaper l5; feeds from a rollzand isused toproducea carbon copy-of the typewritten matter. A-number. of such: rolls, or a multi-ply roll, .may'be used where. more; than one'ncontinuous sheet is? desired; Small individualworkesheets 1.8 and TI, are shownin Figure 7, as'used for a firsticarboncopy and aLsecondcarbon copy, and the. sheet iii-is shown alsoinFigure 14 in dotted lines. The sheet l8is shown in. several of the; drawings, and is the. original work-sheet 'to' receive-imprints directly from the priine inked'ribbon' 3|.

The mannerin which-the work sheetsare led to'f'eedin'g engagementtwith'the platen may easily be'illustrated by "placinga sheet of writing paper in afront-strike typewriting machine, in such a position that the sheet is. placed to. receive a line of typing approximately aninch below the extreme top edge of. the sheet. Thus,.ant end of this writing sheet will protrude. moderately above the writing line andrslightlyabovez the usual'ribbon shield that is a part of most typewriters.

Thisprot'ruding' end may now be used for the purpose of' a paper ta'bl'e, to: introduce the bottom end of a worksheet, or pack of work-sheets, between the first-mentioned: sheet and the-platen, and if the platen is now rotated backward, with respect to the usual linesspace direction, by means of the usual platen-eturning knob, the work-sheet or packwill befed' backward around the platen, the. first-mentioned sheet serving to lead the ends of'the work-sheets to engagement with the feed rollers and" platen. At the very beginning of platen rotationthe work=sheets are fed by friction only, but are efli'ciently drawn to the-position of actual gripped engagement.

As the platen isrotated'backward'toia further degree, the first mentionedsheet, whichwas'used as a'feeding sheet, will beejected'from thegrip of: all the'feed rollers at the-rear'of the platen, and the'bottom ends of the work-sheetor pack of sheets will" be'supported'. on the paper-table at the rear" ofthe. platen. Without the benefit of. the expedient just described, it is very difficult" to introduce a work-sheet at the front of theplaten, because-of the interference of such necessary parts as the ribbon-vibrator, typeguide', and ribbon-shield; and' since' nofixed paper-table'is provided in front-strike typewriters.

The simple expedient just described is frequentlyusediby typists for. front feeding'small typing pieces such asenvelopes; cards, etc; and is advantageousin that" it: provides a' very positive method of leadingstifi; materials.- to full engagementwith the platen; however this'expedient is useful in onlya limitedimanner, whereas'my invention provides; a fully efficient and versatile method" of introducing work-sheets at thefront of. the platen. Inimany'cases where. front feed is:wanted, it" is. desired that certain. work-sheets remainin-the: typewriter, whil'eia. number. of separate: original workesheets. are. insertedixand' withis superposed.

In the usual front-feeding application, where perhaps continuous paper is used for the carbon copies, it is generally desired that after one original sheet has been typed and removed, that the continuous paper be advanced a distance, then the next original work-sheet positioned in front of the continuous sheet and in proper registration with it, so that when the platen is turned backward, all sheets of the writing pack are in position for writing the first line.

As shown in Figures 1, and 13, the feedingsheet when stored, is located in the chute that the tables All and 42 provide. In this position, the

feeding-sheet is completely out of the way and does not interfere with either the appearance, or

thegeneral operation, of the typewriter. There is obviously a gap between the lower forward edges of the tables 40 and 42, and this gap is the full width of the under-table 42, but worksheets that are turned backward in the machine by means of the platen-turning knob 6 do not enter through this gap into the storage compartment, and such backward-turned work-sheets are deflected up and over the table All by the table 46.

There is an opening, the full width of the feeding-sheet, between the upper rear edge of the paper-table all, and an edge of the carriage shell 38 that is parallel with the edge of table 40 but spaced an inch or so toward the rear from the table 40, and this opening is best shown in Figure e. A portion of the under-table 42, as well as the feeding-sheet and some other parts, is visible through this opening. This opening provides access to the feeding-sheet to allow quick replacement. In practice, a hinged cover, or a snap-on cover, would be supplied to cover this opening, to

prevent the possibility of ends of work-sheets entering this opening, but the cover is omitted from the drawings. Even without a cover, the feedingsheet is shielded from the work-sheets to a practical extent.

When the feeding-sheet is in storage position, fully retracted, and bearing against the uprights ll, the extreme leading end of the feeding-sheet is held noticeably away from contact with the platen 3, and the feeding-sheet is preferably of such a length that the leading end is out of contact with any of the rear feed rollers it. The extreme leading end may therefore be justin line with the gap provided between the forward edges of tables All and 42, as shown in Figure 10. If the extreme leading edge were in just slight contact with the feed rollers l3, rotation of the platen would still not draw the feeding-sheet from storage position, as the pull of the cord El is suflicient to resist any slight frictional pull on the leading end.

The typist may now press downwardly on the fingerpiece 49, which will partially rotate the rod 46, and thus cause the right-hand upright 41 to move away from the stop 48, and cause both uprights 4'! to press against the feeding-sheet at points Where the feeding-sheet is reinforced by the clip 52, and thus slide the feeding-sheet downwardly forward through the chute. The

extreme leading end of the feeding-sheet will emerge throuhg the gap between the tables 40 and 42, but is so guided by the parallel edges which form the gap, that it is bound to come in contact, first with one or more of the feed rollers I l3, and then with either the platen 3, or with a work-sheet that may be in the typewriter. In any event, if the platen is rotated in normal linespace direction while the fingerpiece is so pressed, the pointed leading end will be quickly picked up and gripped in feeding engagement between the platen 3 and feed rollers [3. It will be understood that the two center rollers l3 engage the sheet 66 before the two end rollers l3, due to the use of the blunt point in the design of the sheet 63.

The pointed design of the feeding-sheet 60 tends to assure easy and accurate engagement, even though the feeding-sheet 60 may become worn from use. It will be understood that the matter of properly engaging the feeding-sheet is more difficult than that of engaging an ordinary work-sheet at the rear of the platen. The leading end of the feeding-sheet, as guided to engagement through the gap between the tables 40 and 42, does not come into contact with the platen 3 and feed rollers [3 at a natural and easy angle, as does a work-sheet guided by the The enupper surface ofthe paper-table 42. gagement of the feeding-sheet 6B is moreof a forced engagement. It is of course desired that when the feeding-sheet is properly gripped in engagement, that it be properly square, and accurately positioned with respect to other parts of the machine. If the leading end of the feedingsheet were not pointed, it would be much more likely that one side of the feeding-sheet would engage before the other side, and thus tend to produce a crooked condition of the feeding-sheet. Using the pointed design, particularly since the cord 5| is so fastened as to exert its pull in the center of the feeding-sheet, in line with the point of the free end, tends to assure accurate and straight engagement. The side walls of the chute also tend to hold the feeding-sheet straight and square for engagement.

Once the feeding-sheet has becomegripped between at least'some of the feed rollers l3 and the platen 3, the typist may remove the finger from the fingerpiece 49, and. the control rod, due to spring 50, will return to'its original position. If the typist continues to rotate the platen in normal line-space direction, the feeding-sheet 60 will advance to the full operative position shown in Figures 4, 7 and 12. The feeding-sheet has now been fed almost entirely out of the chute.

. Additional rotation of the platen 3 will not cause further advance of the feeding-sheet. This is prevented in one manner by the cord 51 being all paid, out from the spool 54, and is prevented in another manner because the gap between the forward edges of the tables 40 and 42 is not large enough to permit the clip 52 to pass through. Furthermore, the openings 62 and 63 are now registered over the areas of pressure contact existing between the two series of feed rollers l2 and I3 and the platen. The feeding-sheet is therefore not being positively gripped by the pressure rollers l2 and I3. The feeding-sheet will stay in the operative position shown in Figure 4 as long as the platen 3 is not turned in backward direction, providing however, that the paper-release lever l 6 is not operated to cast off the feed rollers ['2 and I3. f

If the feed rollers l2 and I3 arev cast off, the

I feeding-sheet win immediately tend to slide back into itsshielded 'storage'position in the chute. There is some friction resisting sliding movement of the sheet 60, but 'moderatestrength of the spring 57 is enough'toovercome friction, so whenever the control i6 is used to cast off the feed rollers I2 and I3, the feeding-sheet will automatically be retracted to inoperative position. If the springii'l is sufiiciently strong in its action, it will even retract the feeding-sheet when the feed rollers l2 and I3 are normally engaged; that is, the platen will be rotated in spite of the inherentfriction of theplaten and in spite .of the effect of the ratchet-roller assembly 8. Such strength of spring 51 isnot ordinarily desirable but can be used for certain specific applications.

It should be noted that when the feeding-sheet this in the operative position, the pull developed by the spring 51, and through the cord 5| applied to the feeding-sheet, is sufiicient in itself to prevent further advance of the feeding-sheet. It is not strictlynecessary, when openings 62 and 63 are, provided in the feeding-sheet, that the cord 5! be of such restrictedlength as to prevent the feeding sheet 80 from feeding entirely out ofthe chute.

When the feeding-sheet '69 has been advanced to operative position as above described, it is properly located thatwork-sheets may be introduced. The leading end of the feeding-sheet project's upwardly, an'dis located forward ofthe carbon ribbons "IiLbut tothe rear of the shield 35.

Figure "lzillustrates the feeding-sheet in useful position and shows three individual work-sheets as having been .properly introduced for front feeding. Thesheet I5 is disposed between the .twocarbon. ribbons .19. .By turning the platen in counter line-space direction, the-feeding-sheet 68 and all the work-sheets '16, 11 and 18 wi1l immediately start moving in unison'with the platen to 'lead the ends of the work-sheets to actual gripped feeding engagement. -While the feed rollers 1-2 and i3 are registered with theopenings 62 and 63 at the very-beginnin of backward rotation of theplaten 3, the-pull of the cord 5i assures immediatemovement of-the feeding .sheet fifi-in unison with the platen 3. Friction alone, would tend'to cause the feeding :sheet to move into full gripped engagement with the platen,- but'the uniform pull of thecord 5! assures the most positive and reliable engagement. The work-sheets 'ifigi'i'and w are likewise'not positivelygripped-by the feed'rollers 12 and [3 at the verybeginning of;platen rotation, but are eiiieiently driven-byfriction. The use of the-carbonribbons-lfl for manifolding tends tointroduce a, frictionon the work-sheets, but not sufficient to prevent-the work-sheetsbeing positively and accurately drawn into full feeding engagement.

Asthe platenis turned backward, the leading endsofthe sheets 15,11 "and 18 will emerge at the rear of theplaten. The ejecting ends'of these sheets will-notenter th gap between the tables to and iZjbut will .bedefiected up the incline of .the table 49. Sufficient backwardsrotation of the platen will obviously cause ejection of the feeding-sheet 60 from the grip of the-rearfeed rollersi3, after which-the action of the spring 'filwillcause the feeding-sheet to movethe slight further distance tofullyretracted position. The front-feeding operation is nowcomplete.

In Figures 10, 11,.12andl3, the operation of my invention is shown, under the condition where a work-sheet is already in'the'. machine when the front-feed operation is started. Fig

ure lOshowstlre condition'be'forethe startof the operation. IFigure 11 showsthe condition when the fingerpiece *AQ'is being 'pressed, which, particularly with'the help of slight'initial rotation of the platen, "deposits the leading edge of the feeding-sheet in position .for engagement, as shown" in" the Figure 11. By advancing the ieeding-sheet to this'engaging position, it is in contact not onlywith the feed'rollers l3 but'with one surface of the work-sheet [5. This condition is true only at thepointed'center portion of the feeding-sheet and'the side "portions of'the sheetare notyet in contact with either therollers 53 or the sheet 15.

Figure 12 shows the conditionafter'the platen has-been rotated in line-space direction as indicated by the arrows. Figure 12 also shows the roll of paper from which the work-sheet i5 .is feeding. The sheet T5 has beenadvanced a considerable distance by'the platen rotation. The work-sheet "55 can be advanced to whatever extent desired after the feeding-sheet Eli has reached thelimit of its advance, as the feed rollers i2 and'h'i are engaged through the openings 62-and163, and the platen 3 canbe rotated fur- .ther in line-space direction almost as freely as though the feeding-sheet 69 were not-in opera- .tiveposition.

The wpaper-bail Zillhasbeen preferably moved to the extended position to better facilitate the introduction of'theoriginal work-sheet 13, which is .set'between theieading end of the feedingsheet E9 andthe uncoated side of the carbon ribbon '59. Theplaten is then turned in counterline-space direction, which will .turn the worksheets Tiand iii to proper position to receive the first'line of typing, and this operation also serves .to return the feeding-sheet to the inoperative position.

the leading-edge of thework-sheet I8 is ejected is-abovethe tablelil. -When the necessary typing has been completed, the platen is turned forward to eject the sheet 18 at the front of the .platen, and a portion .of the continuou workvunder=tab1e 42 shown inith :other' drawings.

this modified design, the ifeeding-isheet 80 rests .exposedon the inclined .surfaceof thetable 43,

:sheet 15 'mayrif desired,:be sheared off on the knife-like edge of the bail 29.

.-It-is-'not strictly necessary to provide both an :upper' (regular) i paper-table, and an under-table,

to incorporate-many of the features :of my invention. Figure 1-4 illustrates a modification of my invention, in which only a .singleitable- 43 is provided,:and the same control accessories are attached-to the'table 43 .as:are attached to the and-this is obviously not as :neat and efficient as where the feeding-sheet is shielded ina separate position. However, the operation in generalis the same 'as'with the preferred design shown in the :other drawings.

A chief 'defectzof the modified design is that under .the :condition of turning work-sheets nearly out ztof thettyp'ewriter in forward direc- 1 tion,-and-then turning them backward the lead- Jug ends: or edges'of'workesheets may easily tend to tangle and foul against the leading end of the feeding-sheet 69, particularly if the edge of the sheet to becomes irregular from wear. The fact that the leading end of the sheet 66 is pointed, greatly lessens the number of times that work-sheets will jam with sheet 58, but the condition is troublesome. Also, such a backwardfed leading end of a work-sheet can tangle or foul with the rear edges of the openings 82 and 63. In addition, one or more of the work-sheets may become positioned wrongly at the underside of the feeding-sheet. This condition is shown by the dotted line in Figure 14, and this position is undesirable, not only because the worksheet 16 can easily jam with the edges of the openings 62 and 63, but will, if turned backward far enough, jam against the uprights 41. It should be noted that the providing of a shielded position for the feeding-sheet 65 is not fully effeotive in preventing fouling with the work-sheets unless the work-sheets are effectively prevented from following the feeding-sheet to the shielded position. 1

In the preferred design as shown in the drawings other than Figure 14, the feeding-sheet 68 in emerging from the chute or in sliding back into the chute, is forced to follow a curving path. This particular curve is effective from the point where the feeding-sheet leaves the gap between the tables 46 and 42, to the point where the feeding-sheet is engaged by the full presure of the rollers 13. This curving path is well'illustrated in Figure 12; This twist in the path does not interfere greatly with the smooth engagement of the leading end of the feeding-sheet during the process of engaging the feeding-sheet, since the feed rollers iii are preferably turning in the direction of the arrow in Figure 11 as the leading end is pressed toward engagement.

This twist in the path of the feeding-sheet does cause friction of the feeding-sheet against one or both of "the tables 46 and 42, and particularly against the lower forward edge of the table 4!), and during the process of transferring openings 62 and 63 to jam against the lower forward edge of the table 49. This tendency is eliminated by arranging the openings in the shape of a blunt point, as clearly shown in Fig-' ure 5.

Although I have described in detail a machine embodying my invention, it is to be understood that many modificationsmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, and I am therefore not to be limited to the construction shown and described'except as defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A front-strike typewriting machine having a rotatable platen, feed-roller means engaged along a rear portion of the platen, a paper-supporting table inclining rearwardly upward from the rear of the platen and having a front edge extending closely along said feed-roller means to sheet up and over the paper-supporting table, a feeding-sheetfor front-feeding of Work-sheets, which in inoperative position is located underneath the paper-supporting table and slidably supported thereunder, means to guide the leading end of the feeding-sheet to position to be engaged by the platen and feed roller means, con: trol means to slide said feeding-sheet from inoperative position to engaging position whereby upon platen rotation a substantial portion of the feeding-sheet is fed out from under said papersupporting table as the leading end is advanced to operative position, there being a curvature in the portion of the feeding-sheet located between said front edge and the area of maximum pressure by said feed-roller means, and resilient means at all times pulling said feeding-sheet toward inoperative position, to overcome buckling due to said curvature, as the feeding-sheet is plurality of feed rollers therefor disposed along under and rear portions of said platen, and a paper-table inclining rearwardly upward from the back of said platen with an edge thereof 10-- c'ated close to and parallel with the platen; of a feeding-sheet for use when front-feeding worksheets to saidmachine, said feeding-sheet shiftable lengthwise of itself from an inoperative position underneath said paper-table to an operative position part-way around the platen, said feeding-sheet in moving back to inoperative position rubbing frictionally against the said edge of the paper-table, said feeding-sheet having openings therein which register with said feed rollers when the feeding-sheet is in operative position to permit engagement of the feed-rollers with the platen through said openings, said openings being pointed in the direction of the length of said feeding-sheet to prevent the edges of said openings from catching against said edge of the paper-table.

3. Means to operate a feeding-sheet. to lead in a work-sheet in a front-strike typewriter, said typewriter having a rotatable platen, feed rollers therefor, and a paper-table inclined rearwardly upward from the back of said platen, said means including a chute located underneath said paper-table with the feeding-sheet slldable in the chute, yielding means connected to said feeding-sheet urging it fully into the chute, and manually actuable control means to slide said feeding-sheet forward in said chute to eject the leading end thereof toward feeding engagement by the platen and feed rollers, said feeding-sheet having openings therein disposed to register with saidfeed rollers when the feeding-sheet has been advanced to operative position, to permit free rotation of the platen in line-space direction without further advancing said feeding-sheet.

4. The combination with a front-strike typewriting machine having a rotatable platen, a feed roller to cooperate therewith, an inclined papersupporting table located rearwardly of said platen to direct a work-sheet to feeding engagement with the platen and cooperating feed roller; of a fiexible feeding-sheet adapted to lead a worksheet into said machine from the front side of said platen, said feeding-sheet when in inoperative position being located adjacent said papersupporting table, a control member operable to cause said feeding-sheet, upon platen rotation in deflect a rearwardly ejected end of a writing forward :direction, :to be engaged by the :platen andzcooperating :feed: roller; and-shifted toroperativeposition with :the leading; endof :the "feedingsheet adjacent the front oftheplaten for frontinsertion of a work-sheet, said feeding-sheatheing shifted to inoperative position guponreverse rotation of the platen, and'means preventing-inadvertent re-engagement of said feeding-sheet by the platen and feed roller'when'the platen is rotated in either direction.

.5. The combination with a'front-strike typewriting machine, having a cylindrical platen, a feed roller engaged'with an underneathportion of said platen, and an inclined paper-table located rearwardly of said platen; of 'aflexible'feed- .ing-sheet for front-introduction ofa work-sheet in said machine, said feeding-sheetwhenin op- .erative position being part-way around the platen and engaged by the platen and feedzroller with the leading end of the feeding-sheet in front of the platen to receivea-work-sheet, said feed-- ing-sheet being ejected from engagement when the :platenis turnedto -feed-in'the work sheet, with the leading end of the feeding-sheet then adjacent said paper-tableymeans to automatically shift said ejected feeding-sheet a distance away from engagement to inoperative position, and a control" device to shift the leading end away frominoperative position and'toward the platen and feed rollerior re-engagement.

-6. A front-strike typewriting 'machine including a-platen, afeed roller to-co'operate'therewith, an incline'd paper-table located to the rear of said platen, a flexible feeding-sheet which in inoperative position is located to the rear "of v the platen adjacent the paper-table, control means operable to cause engagement 'of the feedingsheet by the platenand .feed rollerwhen the ,platen is turned, the-leading endofthe feedingsheet being :fed .to the front side of the platen by continued turning of the platen, and -means acting on the feeding-esneet to limit thedistance that saidifeedingsheet is=advanced by1p1aten:rotation.

7. A front-strike typewriting machine .having a rotatable platen; afeed rollerengaged along the rear under sideofsaid'pl-aten, typescoactive with the platen along :the :front thereof, an upwardly inclined paper-guide 'in back of said platen .to-provide a path :of supportfor'extend- .ing portions of Work-sheets, 1a flexible feedin sheet tolea'din a work-sheet introducedat the front of the platen, means ,on said machineto maintain the feeding-sheet inan'inoperative position in back or said platen, control rmeans on said machine operable 'toshift the'feeding sheet toengagement with thejplaten and feeglrroller to move said feeding-sheet partly aroundthe platen to operative position, the feeding-sheet in leaving the platen toward inoperative position,ffollowing a distinctly separate path than the-path of support for portions of work-sheets extendinjgfromthe'under side of .said platen, said inclined :papereguide including means to prevent the ends of work-sheets from entering the path of the "feeding-sheet,

.8. The combination with a ifront-strike typewriter-havinga platen, feed-roller means engaged along the rear of the platen, a paper-:table indining rearwardly upward 'iromsaid feed-roller means, the relationship of said plat.en,ifeed-roller means and paper-table being ithat :the leading end of a front-introduced work-sheet Will "be :di-

rectedup and over said table; .ofiafflexiblejeem mg-sheet to lead in work-sheets introduced at ;the .front of :said platen, 'a storage compartment and adapted .to partially enclose the feedingsheet to shield the free end thereof from jamming with an end of a work-sheet ejected-rearwardly from the under side of the platen, means mounted on said machine to hold the feedingsheet in an inoperative position in said storage compartment, said feeding-sheet then being held out of inadvertent engagement with the platen and1feed-roller means, said feeding-sheet being adapted to be engaged by the platen and feed .roller means, and means to limit the distance .said feeding-sheet can be fed by platen rotation when so engaged.

9.The combination with a front-strike typewriting machine having a rotatable platen and a feed roller engaged therewith to produce a pressure area to feed a work-sheet; of a feeding-sheet to leadrin a work-sheet from the front of the platen, the feeding-sheet when in inoperative position being located in back of said platen, said feeding sheet being shiftable from inoperative position to engagingposition whereby upon platen rotation in line-space direction the feeding-sheet will be advanced part-way around the platen .tooperative position with-the leading end to the front of said platen, said feeding-sheet having an opening therein which is then registered over the said pressure area permitting engagement of said feed roller with the platen through said opening, and means to hold said feeding-sheet against further movement when the platen isfurtherrotatedinline-space direction.

10. In a front-strike typewriting machine, a rotatable platen, a plurality of spaced-apart feed rollers engaged with the platen torfeed a worksheet, apaper-table inclining rearwardly upward to from the back of the platen, a feeding-sheet for front-feeding work-sheets into the typewriter, a chute underneath said paper-table to support said feeding-sheet underneath said table, resilient means acting on said feeding-sheet to hold the feeding-sheet from inadvertent engagement by saidplaten and feed rollers, a control member actuable to shift the feeding-sheet to position for engagement by the platen and feed rollers upon rotation of the platen whereby the leading end of the feeding-sheet may be disposed at the front of the platen, said feedingsheet having openings therein of such siz and so distributed as to come in register with said feed rollers, said resilient means'then tending to prevent further movement of the feeding-sheet when the platen is turned an additional distance.

11. A front-strike typewriting machine having a rotatable paper-feeding platen, feed-roller means engaged therewith along a substantial lengthwise rear portion or said platen to feed a work sheet, a flexible feeding-sheet equal in width to a substantialportion of the platen length,.said feeding-sheet when it i in inoperative position being located in back of said platen, means to hold said feeding-sheet away from being engaged by the cooperative action of 'said platenv and feed-roller means, means to shift'said feeding-sheet to engagement by the platen and-feedroller means upon rotation of theplaten, to feed said feeding-sheet part-way around said platen for inserting a work-sheet by means of said feeding-sheet, the leading end of said feedin ;sheet being pointed whereby the center portion 'ofsaid leading end will contact .said'feed-roller .means before side portions hf :saidileading end.

12. The combination with a front-strike typewriting machine having a rotatable platen and a cooperating feed roller to feed work-sheets into said machine; of a flexible feeding-sheet adapted to lead a work sheet into said machine, said feeding-sheet having an inoperative position in back of said platen, a control element on said machine and having a fingerpiece associated therewith, operable to shift said feeding-sheet from said inoperative position toward the platen for engagement by the platen and feed roller upon rotation of the platen, resilient means mounted on said machine and connected to said feeding-sheet urging said feeding-sheet to be retracted to said inoperative position, a stop element to stop the movement of the feeding-sheet on reaching the inoperative position, and a stop mean to limit the position to which the feeding-sheet may be advanced by platen rotation.

13. A front-strike typewriting machine including a cylindrical platen, a feed roller to cooperate therewith, an inclined paper-table extending rearwardly upward from the platen a guideway mounted on said machine adjacent said paper-table, a flexible feeding-sheet slidably positioned in said guideway and being guided widthwise and thicknesswise of itself by said guideway whereby when the feeding-sheet is slid downwardly forward the leading end will meet the platen and feed roller for engagement and by platen rotation will be gripped and advanced to the front of the platen to receive a worksheet, means on said machine to maintain said feeding-sheet at a predetermined inoperative position in said guideway and free of inadvertent engagement with said platen and feed roller, a control member on said machine, and a fingerpiece for operating said control member, to shift said feeding-sheet along said guideway to engagement with the platen and feed roller.

14. The combination with a front-strike typewriting machine having a rotatable platen, a feed roller acting on the under side of said platen to grip work-sheets, typing instrumentalities coactive with the platen at a writing line located along the front of said platen, and linespacing mechanism for feeding the work-sheets upward past the writing line; of an upwardly inclined paper-table in back of said platen, a separate table located underneath said papertable, a flexible feeding-sheet between said tables and supported on said separate table, a spring mounted on said machine and connected to said feeding-sheet urging said feeding-sheet to a predetermined inoperative position between the two said tables with the leading end free of engagement with the platen and feed roller, said paper-table arranged to deflect the bottom ends of work sheets above said paper-table and thereby shield the leading end of the feeding-sheet from being fouled by the bottom ends of worksheets at any time the work-sheets are turned in counter-line-spacing direction while the feeding-sheet is in inoperative position, means on 30 said machine to shift said feeding-sheet from inoperative position toward the feed roller so as to engage and advance the feeding-sheet when the platen is rotating, and means to limit the distance the feeding-sheet may be advanced.

WILLIAM E. MCFARLAND. 

